Welcome to Naturalists at Large

Naturalists at Large: Outdoor Education Where & When You Want It.

Our education programs for over a hundred of California's public and independent schools have introduced thousands of students to environments as diverse as the pygmy forest of Sonoma, the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park, the Sonoran Desert, Colorado River and Catalina Island.

Naturalists at Large offers an integrated program of outdoor and environmental education in all the major ecosystems of California — mountains, deserts and the seashore.

Every Naturalists at Large program is individually designed.

We pride ourselves on our ability to design outdoor programs that are exciting and fun, while giving students an understanding of the beauty and diversity of our planet. Naturalists at Large is committed to teaching children of all ages the skills to be at ease in the outdoors and to fully understand the unique ecosystems of the West. We work with you every step of the way to identify your outdoor education goals and then tailor a program to meet those specific needs.

Naturalists at Large was founded in 1985 by Richard Stowell.

Formerly an independent school administrator, Mr. Stowell recognized the void existing in available outdoor education programs where providers offered only "packaged" programs. Schools had to fit themselves into a company's rigid, predefined program and this often failed to meet unique needs and requirements of students and teachers.

Anyone participating with Naturalists at Large learns the valuable art of being comfortable in the outdoors while having fun. Skills, awareness and education are always stressed and the ability to truly enjoy the outdoors is never sacrificed.

For over 20 years, Naturalists at Large has introduced students to the outdoors. We are continually impressed with their enthusiasm and enjoyment while learning about the environment. For many schools, Naturalists at Large provides multiple years of outdoor education. Our familiarity with California and the West, and our individually designed programs with qualified and capable instructors make it possible for us to offer a complete outdoor curriculum for primary through high school level students.

Schools have come to rely on Naturalists at Large to help them design outdoor education programs for their entire student body.

Visit our Featured Site [Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks]

Why Use NAL?

Sites by Region

-North Coast

-San Francisco Bay Area &

Santa Cruz

-Sierra Nevada

-Central Coast

-Santa Monica Mountains

-Catalina Island

-Southern Mountains